All smiles for Sebastien

Sebastien Bassong can hardly keep the smile off his face after completing his move to The Lane from Newcastle United this week.

Sebastien Bassong can hardly keep the smile off his face after completing his move to The Lane from Newcastle United this week.

The 23-year-old defender admits he had his heart set on a move to North London as soon as he knew of our interest, and he now believes he is at a Club where he can improve himself as a player.

Despite only one Premier League season under his belt following a move to St James' Park from French club Metz a year ago, Sebastien feels he learnt a lot from his time in the north-east.

But following the Magpies' relegation to the Championship, Sebastien believes signing for what he feels is one of Europe's biggest clubs was the best career decision he could have made.

"I am very, very happy to be here and I can't stop smiling!" he said to Spurs TV Online in his first interview since signing. "I found out a move was possible about a week ago and I really wanted to join Spurs from then on.

"Last season was an interesting year. I learnt a lot at Newcastle and I am really happy to have played for them, but I had to move to improve myself and take a step forward in my career. I am sure that this move will be a good thing for me.

"Tottenham Hotspur is club known throughout Europe and the world. Everybody is aware of the players we have here and the manager has a fantastic reputation. This is why I didn't hesitate in coming here."

Although he displayed his versatility last term by often featuring as a left-back for the Toon, Sebastien is in no doubt that he preferred position is at the heart of the defence.

This will mean competing with the likes of Ledley King, Jonathan Woodgate and Michael Dawson for a place in Harry Redknapp's team.

But it says a lot about the character of our latest acquisition that he does not fear such a challenge - he in fact relishes it, and he feels he can even learn from the task.

"I can help the team wherever the manager needs me to, but my best position is centre back," Sebastien explains.

"I think every player needs competition to improve, so I am ready for that. It is a positive thing both for myself and the team, and without competition a team can't go forward in my opinion.

"Another reason why I came here is because I know there are experienced players such as King, Woodgate and Dawson, and I know I will learn from them."

To watch Sebastien's first interview since joining the Club in full, subscribe to Spurs TV Online today.